SSISD To Offer Free School Meals For All Students, Children Rest Of Year
Sulphur Springs ISD will offer free school meals to all students ages 18 or younger. The meals are available regardless of eligibility through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service nationwide waivers. The service started Monday, November 2, 2020, according to an October 30 release from SSISD Director of Child Nutrition Veronica Arnold.
Grab and Go curbside meals will continue to be offered at Barbara Bush Primary for SSISD virtual students. Meals will also be offered for children who are not in school, however, the child’s parent or guardian will need to provide birth certificates. These meals offered at Bush Primary may be picked up between 12:45 and 1:15 p.m. weekdays. Those planning to pick up meals for students and children are asked to contact the SSISD Child Nutrition Department so SSISD staff can be prepared.
Any money currently left in student accounts can be used to purchase a la carte items. Money may also be added to students accounts for extra purchases as well. Parents will be required to pay any charges already incurred and owed on their students’ accounts.
Questions about the free school meals offered by the SSISD Child Nutrition Program thanks to the USDA nationwide waivers may be directed to SSISD Director of Child Nutrition Veronica Arnold.
Hospital District Board Approves Tax Abatements, CEO Raise, Resolution
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors approved a number of items on the October agenda, including tax abatements for 2 businesses, a raise for the CEO and a resolution for acquisition of 2 nursing homes.
Personnel, Property Matters
The HCHD Board started their meeting in the manner board meetings typically end, with an executive session to discuss real estate matters and to conduct a performance review and compensation for HCHD CEO/CFO Ron Folwell.
When the meeting reconvened, the board reported they had completed their evaluation of the CEO. They asked him to be sure in the future to include an annual evaluation as a regular agenda item during the budget process. A motion was made and passed to give Folwell what HCHD Board member Joe Bob Burgin called a “well deserved” $10,000 salary raise.
The board at that time also reported no action was needed on the real estate matter.
Later in the meeting, the board approved a resolution for acquisition of Petal Hill and Rose Trail by Billing Shindele. Petal Hill and Rose Trail are two of the six nursing facilities owned by HCHD. There are still final terms to be worked out, but the negotiation process for the acquisition of the 2 HCHD-owned facilities is progressing.
Rose Trail received an overall two star rating and a 2 star Quality Metrics rating, while Petal Hill received an overall one star rating and a one star Quality Metrics rating. These rating were presented at a previous meeting to the hospital board.
The hospital district board too approved initial design plans for a new EMS Station/HCHD building, presented by Adam Panter. The design could be scaled back as necessary to fit the project budget.
Finance
HCHD Chief Operating Officer and Director of EMS Brent Smith asked the board to approve a remount of Medic 5 and purchase of a new ambulance. The items are capital items and budgeted and approved at the last HCHD Board meeting. Smith said it is procedure to present capital items the month they are to be purchased for final approval, that way everyone is clear on what is being ordered. The board approved them with no further discussion on the matter.
Folwell reported the hospital district is “continuing to do quite well” financially, and expects the auditors will be complimentary. He said with the fiscal year ending in September, financial documents will soon be submitted to auditors for analysis, with a goal of having the auditor present regarding their findings during the December hospital district board meeting.
Smith said while the consolidated budget at the end of August was down $362,000, he anticipates that to improve once everything comes in for September.
“We have $317,000 in additional revenue that will be accrued in September. Part of that is $198,985 from the August deployments to Beaumont, the last part of South Texas stuff. So, I anticipate our year end close is going to look really good. I think it’s not going to be red, I just wanted to point that out,” Smith said.
“That’d be a switch,” Burgin commented.
Employee Angie Waller asked the HCHD Board to consider matching employee contributions to Hopkins County United Way. Burgin explained it’s his understanding that the board cannot legally make a donation because of its status as a taxing entity. Attorney Tommy Allison noted it had not ever been done before. The matter was closed without further discussion.
Abatements
Two tax abatements, one for Hopkins Energy LLC and another for My Perfect Pet, received HCHD Board approval at the Oct. 27 meeting.
Hopkins Energy LLC is a $240 million solar farm scheduled to be constructed in Dike, provided the company receives requested tax breaks from local taxing entities.
The abatement agreement includes a pilot payment. The hospital district abates the taxes but charges a fee for certain produced wattages, but is guaranteed a $102,000 payment each year in lieu of taxes. This will provide a steady income of at least $102,000 a year, which can be helpful during the annual budgeting process, Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley noted.
Feagley also reported that during a public hearing held in the area regarding the planned solar farm only a few community members attended. All except one attendee were in favor of the farm, and only one taxpayer had a question.
My Perfect Pet is a gourmet pet food manufacturing company that has relocated from California to Sulphur Springs. Feagley said My Perfect Pet owner Karen Neola is in the process of closing out her California operation. She has to be out of that facility by November 8, 2020.
The plant starts with USDA quality prime meat and adds other nature ingredients such as yams, rice, cranberries and other vegetables, then shapes the prepared food into a patty that is frozen and shipped to retailers around the country for sale.
The abatement is on a sliding scale, with the amount of abatement reduced by 10 percent each year for 10 years, according to the agreed upon schedule. The project is expected to create 20 jobs with a minimum payroll of $624,000. Allison noted the contract did not specify My Perfect Pet maintain at least that many jobs during the term of length of the agreement, and recommended including that in the agreement. The board approved the abatement with the added recommendation.
Neola’s intent, the EDC director told the hospital board, is to hire people to fill 30 jobs, but she’s having a hard time finding employees to work. The first truck loads of gourmet dog food produced at the Sulphur Springs plant were scheduled to roll out on Wednesday.
Commerce Man Arrested On Firearm Charge, Rowlett Man On Felony Warrant
Two men were jailed Friday, a Commerce man arrested on a firearm charge and a Rowlett man on a felony warrant, according to police and sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office personnel were made aware Cody Wayne Pope was being held at a Dallas County jail on a Hopkins County warrant. Deputy Amanda Weatherford traveled to Dallas, took the 33-year-old Rowlett man into custody around noon Oct. 30, 2020 and transported him to Hopkins County jail. Pope was booked on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for possession of 5 pounds or more but less than 50 pounds of marijuana.
Friday marks the second time Pope has been jailed in Hopkins County for violation of probation on the Jan. 26, 2018 marijuana charge; he was previously arrested Sept. 17, 2019 and remained in custody until Nov. 4, 2019, according to jail records.
Tra Marcel Tolbert-Allen
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tanner Steward stopped a GMC Sierra around 11:45 p.m. Oct. 30 on State Highway 11 west at the Hopkins -Hunt County line for a defective head light. While talking to a 31-year-old Commerce man inside the truck, Tra Marcel Tolbert-Allen allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol.
Deputy Justin Wilkerson arrived to assist. He reported seeing a firearm on the front passenger’s seat. The passenger was asked to get out of the vehicle. A records check showed Tolbert-Allen to have a prior felony conviction on his record, which would prohibit him from having a firearm. Consequently, Tolbert-Allen was taken into custody and jailed for felon in possession of a firearm.
Tolbert-Allen, who is also known by Tra Marcel Tolbert, Michael R. Johnson, Tra Marcel Allen, Tra Tolbertallen and Marce Tolbert Allen, remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Oct. 31. Bond on the third-degree felony firearm charge was set at $10,000.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
First Place Lady Cats Volleyball Team Collects Another District Win On The Road At Marshall, 3-0 Friday
The first place Lady Cats Volleyball Team improved their district record to 8-1 with a 3-0 on the road at Marshall Friday, October 30. The score was 25-16, 25-20 and 25-13. The Lady Cats improved to 3-1 on the road in district to go with their perfect 5-0 home district mark. The Lady Cats have won 8 district games in a row.
Lady Cats Coach Bailey Dorner said the Lady Cats played well on the road Friday at Marshall. She said the Lady Cats made too many errors in the first two sets but still pulled out wins in both. Coach Dorner said they played better in set three to finish out the match.
Senior Sadie Washburn had another outstanding match with 26 big kills with 14 digs, 2 blocks and 2 service aces. Junior setter Peyton Hammack had 36 assists with 6 digs, 2 kills and an ace. Junior Brooklyn Burnside had 5 blocks, 8 kills, 4 aces and 2 digs. Junior libero Parris Pickett had 7 digs and 4 assists. Sophomore Addisyn Wall had 4 digs and 5 kills. Junior Kaslyn Hurley had 4 blocks with 1 dig and a kill. Senior Caroline Hurley had 2 kills and a dig. Senior Nylah Lindley had 2 kills. Senior Bre’Asia Ivery had 7 digs and 2 service aces. Sophomore Laney Hurst had 8 digs.
The Lady Cats season record is now 11-6. The Lady Cats play next at Pine Tree on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Inmate Accused Of Assaulting A Corrections Officer
An inmate was accused of assaulting a corrections officer at Hopkins County jail, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office communications operators at 7:58 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, requested Deputy Justin Wilkerson to respond to the jail to take a report. Upon arrival, jail staff advised a 31-year-old inmate identified in reports as Ronald David Bailey of Sulphur Springs had engaged in physical altercation with a corrections officer. Bailey allegedly struck the jail employee mote than once in the face, Wilkerson noted in arrest reports.
Wilkerson reported the corrections officer did have injuries to both the inside and outside his bottom lip and redness around his neck, consistent with the described altercation. The sheriff’s deputy then watched jail video, which he alleged showed inmate Bailey strike a corrections officer more than one time, causing bodily injury. Jail staff apprehended and detained Bailey during the physical altercation, Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, Wilkerson charged Bailey with assault of a public servant. Wilkerson’s bond on the charge was set at $25,000, according to jail reports.
Bailey has been in custody since he was arrested by police Saturday evening, April 18, 2020, on a first-degree murder charge, in connection with the stabbing death of 25-year-old Kendale Shawn Qualls of Sulphur Springs around 7 p.m. at a College Street address. Bailey’s bond on the murder charge was set at $1.5 million.
The only other offense on Bailey’s HCSO arrest record was March 17, 2020, public intoxication charge; he was released from jail the next day on a $5,000 bond, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 2, 2020
Paris — Here's a look at work planned in the district during the week of Nov. 2, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
The annual contract to perform crack sealing operations in Grayson County begins Nov 2.
Daytime lane closures will be present during crack sealing operations and drivers should expect delays. The following roadways in Grayson County will be crack sealed this year; Business US 377D in Tioga, Business US 377C in Collinsville, SH 289 from the Collin County line to US 82, FM 996 from FM 120 to FM 1417, SH 91 from US 75 to FM 1310, the US 82 frontage road in Sherman, FM 120 from FM 1753 to the Oklahoma State line, FM 1897 from US 69 to the end of State maintenance, FM 898 from SH 11 to the Fannin County line, FM 121 from FM 3356 to SH 289, FM 120 in Pottsboro from Chrissa Drive to Vine Street, and the US 75 frontage roads from FM 902 to the Collin County line.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar Streets (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street (SH 56) exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is closed for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75 at the South Travis Street intersection. Traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. The southbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the North Travis Street exit.
A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to the temporary detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the southbound US 75 frontage road while construction crews work on completing the remainder of the project. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691.
Spur 503, Grayson County: from US 75 to SH 91. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures for both the eastbound and westbound lanes as crews perform concrete pavement repairs.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM 121, Grayson County: from SH 289 to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lanes closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
SH 160, Grayson County: between SH 11 and the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 131, Grayson County: between FM 120 and FM 691. Watch for daytime lanes closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
The annual contract to perform crack sealing operations in Fannin County begins Nov. 2.
Daytime lane closures will be present during the crack sealing operations and drivers should expect delays. The following roadways in Fannin County will be crack sealed this year; FM 1396 from SH 78 to FM 2029, FM 1752 from US 82 to FM 1753, US 82 from SH 121 to the Grayson County line, SH 11 from SH 121 to SH 78, SH 78 from SH 11 to US 69, and FM 68 from SH 78 to SH 34.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided section. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin and Lamar County line and County Road 2975.
Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to work on building the crossovers and turn lanes. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median. The SH 121 and US 82 frontage road intersections have been converted to signalized intersections. The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. The westbound exit ramp for SH 121 is closed as crews work on building the new main lanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is asked to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121. On Monday, Nov. 2, work crews will have daytime lane closures in place to perform final touch ups to the US 82 bridge over SH 121 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. During this time, traffic will be flagged around the work crews.
County Road 3530, Fannin County: at Wafer Creek. County Road 3530 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new culvert. Traffic on CR 3530 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from FM 271 to FM 2077: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs.
FM 897, Fannin County: in Lannius from US 82 to CR 2950. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform ditch cleaning work.
SH 78, Fannin County: from FM 981 to FM 815. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform ditch cleaning work.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 19, Hopkins County: From Loop 301 to Delta County Line. Watch for crews performing work on cross drainage structures.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin work on cross drainage structures.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co.
Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
NW Loop 286 at FM 79, Lamar County: The right lane will be closed while crews perform slope repair work along the SW exit ramp.
FM 79, Lamar County: from Loop 286 to BU 82 H (Bonham Street). Watch for lane closures while crews install drainage inlet and place final pavement markings.
FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the north side of the roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the south side.
FM 195, Red River County: from FM 410 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at two locations.
SH 37, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews safety treat drainage structures and rehabilitate the existing pavement.
Red River County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform crack sealing on various roadways; FM 114, FM 3390, FM 2118, FM 2573, FM 410.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co.
Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. This project will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor is currently working on establishing vegetation. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is constructing cross culverts on this roadway. Roadway rehabilitation work is scheduled to begin soon. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: This project is set to begin this week. The contractor will be placing barricades and advanced warning signs. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay work on FM 36 at various location. Maintenance crews will be fog sealing US 69 from BS 69 to FM 1564 to keep aggregate in place. Maintenance crews will be performing ditch work, pothole repairs, mowing and metal beam guard fence repairs at various locations in Hunt County. They will also be removing debris from I-30 this week. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing fog seal on US 69, from FM 1567 to FM1564, to aide in retaining road aggregate. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing and debris removal. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this portion of the roadway.
SH 34 bridge, Hunt County: 3.5 miles south of Quinlan. TxDOT has placed a temporary concrete traffic barrier to protect travelers from the damage caused by an 18-wheeler accident.
The bridge/road is now open to both lanes of traffic. Please drive cautiously and safely in this area.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews. Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Wildcats Football Team Drops First Zone Game To North Forney, 56-21, Friday
North Forney is projected to be one of the very best football teams in District 8-5A and they showed their talent at Gerald Prim Stadium as they won a zone game over the Wildcats, 56-21 Friday night, October 30.
The Falcons led 7-0 before their strong offense even took the field. On the Wildcats’ first drive, North Forney defensive back Tylen Crochet intercepted a pass from Wildcats’ quarterback Kaden Wallace and returned it all the way into the end zone for a touchdown.
The first time the Falcons had the ball on offense they drove for a score. Falcon running back Ty Collins, a Nevada commit, ran 6 yards for a touchdown. The Falcons were up, 14-0 with 6:44 to go in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, North Forney quarterback Jacob Acuna tossed a touchdown pass to Collyn Shipley and the Falcons went up, 21-0 with 11:47 to go in the second period. The North Forney defense then scored again. Wildcats backup quarterback Matthew Mitchell went back to pass but was hit causing a fumble. Then, 273-pound Falcon nose guard Rod Brown scooped up the ball and ran into the end zone. North Forney was up, 28-0 with 6:25 left in the second period.
Then, the Wildcats used trickery to fuel a touchdown drive. In punt formation, Wallace did not punt but rather threw a pass to Robbie Hanks, who got free along the sideline. Later, back Caden Davis ran 5 yards for the touchdown. With Josh Tavera‘s extra point kick, the Wildcats cut the lead to 28-7 with 3:48 left in quarter number 2.
North Forney struck right back scoring quickly. Collins ran for 7 yards and a touchdown and the Falcons were up, 35-7 with 3:19 left in the second quarter. 35-7 was also the score at the half.
After an unsuccessful Wildcats onside kick to start the second half, North Forney went 51 yards for a touchdown. Collins scored his third TD of the night from 5 yards out and the Falcons led 42-7 with 10:51 left in the third quarter. The Wildcats answered with one of their better drives of the game. It covered 72 yards. Wallace tossed a 10 yard TD pass to B-Back Carson Fenton for a touchdown. Tavera’s kick was good and the Wildcats trailed, 42-14.
Again, North Forney matched the Wildcats score. The Falcons went 72 yards with back Jermaine Oakley scoring on a short run. North Forney led 49-14 with 4:49 left in the third quarter. Several minutes later, North Forney scored their last TD. Quarterback Acuna teamed up with receiver Kam Allen on a 14 yard TD pass and North Forney’s lead was up to 56-14 with 1:36 left in the third quarter.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Wildcats struck pay dirt again. Back Douglas Deloney stormed up the middle for 18 yards to the end zone. Again Tavera’s kick was good and the score was North Forney 56 Sulphur Springs 21 with 6:21 left in the game. That’s the way it ended.
The Wildcats managed 244 total yards unofficially with 161 yards rushing and 83 yards passing. Back J.J. Hall finished with 79 yards. Davis had 39 yards and Deloney had 37. The Wildcats had 8 catches with Fenton leading the way with 3. Cable Glenn and C.J. Williams had 2 apiece. Davis had 1. Wallace completed 7 of 18 with a TD and an interception.
North Forney is now 1-0 in zone play and 5-0 this season. The Wildcats are 0-1 in zone play and 0-3 for the season. North Forney plays Greenville in zone play next week while the Wildcats play host to Corsicana in zone play next Friday night at Gerald Prim Stadium.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
GoFundMe Set Up for Sulphur Springs Native
October 31, 2020 – Anyone who knows Jon Day, knows that he is a fighter. The true test of his ability to fight came on January 23rd of this year when he suffered a massive brain bleed. He was rushed to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, received excellent care that truly saved his life and then his journey of recovery began. He is still fighting on that journey. As we all know, the coronavirus pandemic hit in March and as Jon made his way from one facility to the next, his contact with the outside world diminished. He finally completed his inpatient rehab and was sent home in early August.
Jon Day spent his formative years in Sulphur Springs, moving here when we were in the 8th grade. I met Jon on his first day at school and we have been lifelong friends ever since. Jon is the youngest son of long time Methodist Minister, Gaither Day who moved his family here to lead the Sulphur Springs First United Methodist Church.
Jon started working early in life by working nights at Super Handy when we were in high school. He has always had an independent spirit and never been shy about working. He was also the youngest travel agent around as he worked for All World Travel while we were still in high school. He continued in the travel business for several years and transitioned to banking, never backing down from a challenge.
But now the real work begins. His independent spirit would never allow him to ask for help. Although he had a great job with great benefits, his options have become limited very quickly. A GoFundMe account was set up in Jon’s name by his great friend Rick Denning of Dallas, who has helped Jon every step of the way through his recovery.
I urge anyone who knows Jon or his family to take the time to click on the link and express your love in any amount that you can afford. Any amount would make a difference to help Jon through his recovery and get him back to working again. Jon is up for the challenge and I know he will succeed.
Oct. 30 COVID-19 Update: 1 Fatality, 17 New Cases, 32 Recoveries
Although 17 additional Hopkins County residents had received positive COVID-19 results, nearly twice as many recoveries as new cases were reported by Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management in the Oct. 30 COVID-19 update. Texas Department of State Health Services Friday also reported another COVID-19 fatality for Hopkins County, and Texas Health and Human Services reported a total of 23 nursing home resident deaths on Oct. 16 according to Texas Health and Human Services.
HC/SSEM Oct. 30 Update
The 17 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hopkins County increased the new case count for the week to 84. That makes 323 Hopkins County residents who received lab-confirmed positive molecular COVID-19 test results this month and 684 county residents who have tested positive for novel coronavirus 2019 since March.
HC/SSEM in the Oct. 30 COVID-19 update reported 32 Hopkins County residents were confirmed to have recovered from the virus. This follows a day in which 81 recoveries were reported. That makes 124 recoveries so far this week, nearly half the monthly total of 257 recoveries reported this week. That increases the cumulative number of recoveries since March to 540.
Those recoveries helped lower the active case count for the second day in a row. The active case count dropped from 236 on Wednesday to 159 on Oct. 29 to 144 active cases on Oct. 30.
HC/SSEM also reported 3 more patients in the COVID unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs on Friday than on Thursday, increasing the patient count to 14 — the most patients reported to be in the unit this month but not the most reported by local officials in the last 3 months. The COVID-19 unit had 17 patients on Sept. 28.
Testing In Hopkins County
According to the Oct. 30 COVID-19 update, 53 additional tests were performed at the COVID-19 testing site at 128-A Jefferson St. on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Each day this week fewer tests have been performed at 128-A Jefferson St.: 126 on Saturday, 111 on Monday, 63 on Tuesday, 58 on Wednesday and 53 on Thursday.
That makes 3 consecutive weeks in which fewer tests have been performed at the site each week. A total of 528 tests were performed on Jefferson Street the week of Oct. 3-9, that number dropped to 547 tests Oct. 10-16, 543 tests Oct. 17-23 and 411 tests Oct. 24-30.
Cumulatively, 2,303 COVID-19 tests have been conducted since the Jefferson Street drive-through testing site opened on Sept. 25, HC/SSEM officials reported in the Oct. 30 COVID-19 update.
The Jefferson Street COVID testing site will remain open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday during November.
To book a test, go online to GoGetTested.com; either scroll down to the alphabetic list. Click Book Now on the preferred testing location (in the Red Cross/old Fidelity Express — Texas Emergency Management building at 128-A Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs), click Book Now and follow the prompts. Test results are returned in less than 48 hours on average to the preferred device provided via text or email message.
There is no out-of-pocket costs for tests; if individuals don’t have insurance, the test is free. GoGetTested screens for live virus using FDA approved oral swab using a lab-based PCR process. Everyone is eligible for test, however, the person scheduling the test should be 18 or older in order to sign giving a COVID-19 public health authorization and consent. A phone is needed to register online.
HC/SSEM officials also reported 64 Hopkins County residents received positive results on COVID-19 antigen tests conducted at testing facilities within Hopkins County from Oct. 24 to Oct. 30. That’s the fewest number of positive antigen tests reported in the last 4 weeks. Last Friday, 105 positive results were reported t. There were 82 antigen positives from Oct. 10-16, and 101 Oct. 3-9.
HC/SSEM reminded in the Oct. 30 COVID-19 update that positive antigen test results reflect Hopkins County residents only, are reported weekly, are not count towards state numbers, and will not be shown as “recovered.”
DSHS Fatality Report
Texas Department of State Health Services on Oct. 30 reported 35 COVID-19 fatalities for Hopkins County, one more death than reported on Oct. 29. Friday was the third consecutive day in which DSHS reported additional COVID-19 fatalities for Hopkins County.
The latest fatality was reported in the Oct. 30 DSHS County Trends report to have occurred on Friday, Oct. 16. That makes 9 Hopkins County COVID-19 fatalities in the last 7 days, 17 this month and 35 since July: 3 on Oct. 5; 2 each on Oct. 9 and 18; and one death each on Oct. 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22, 24 and 25.
THHS Reports
Texas Health and Human Services on Oct. 30 reported 2 additional COVID-19 deaths among residents at Carriage House Manor, for a total of 21 residents who had COVID-19 who died as of Oct. 16. That leaves 6 active resident and 3 active employee COVID-19 cases reported for Carriage House Manor.
Carriage House Manor has had a total of 41 employees and 59 residents who had tested positive for COVID-19, including 32 residents who had recovered from the virus on Oct. 16, the most recent data available in the Oct. 30 HHS nursing facility report.
HHS also reported 5 additional employees at Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab had tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 16, increasing the active employee case count to 26 and the cumulative count to 31 employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March.
One additional resident of Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab had tested positive for COVID-19 and another had recovered from the virus. That’s 21 active cases and four recoveries among Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab residents on Oct. 16, according to the Oct. 30 HHS nursing facility report.
Crock Creek Health and Rehabilitation LLC continued to have one active employee case on Oct. 16, and 2 cumulative employee cases.
Sulphur Springs Health and Rehabilitation continued to have three active employee cases on Oct. 16. The facility reported 5 cumulative employee cases, 16 cumulative resident cases, including 2 resident deaths, according to the Oct. 30 HHS nursing home report.
There were no active COVID-19 cases reported at either Wesley House or Hopkins Place on Oct. 16, according to the Oct. 30 HHS assisted living facility report.
There were no active COVID-19 cases reported in either employees or students at the 6 licensed child care centers, school-age programs and before and after school programs in Hopkins County on Oct. 29, HHS reported on Oct. 30.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced On 2 Counts Of Sexual Assault Of Teen He Met Online
A 36-year-old Jacksonville man was sentenced Friday in district court on two counts of sexual assault of a teen he was accused of contacting online in March and traveling twice to Hopkins County to meet.
Andrew Curtis Hostetler on Sept. 21 pled guilty to two indictments of sexual assault of a child with no agreement as to punishment. A pre-sentence investigation report was prepared by the probation office and submitted to the court.
Hostetler appeared before 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt Friday morning, Oct. 30, for a sentencing hearing. The defendant reportedly took the stand in the sentencing hearing this morning. Also testifying was the mother of one of his children.
Judge Northcutt sentenced Hostetler Oct. 30 to 10 years in prison on each sexual assault of a child case, with sentences to run concurrently.
District Attorney Will Ramsay and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford credited the work of the sheriff’s deputies and staff from the time they were notified about the case March 21 for not only finding the missing youth but catching Hostetler traveling with the teen.
“This was an amazing job by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office to quickly find and apprehend a man who had been involved in a sexual relationship with a minor. Because of their quick and competent work, justice prevailed. I appreciate Judge Northcutt’s strong sentence and hope that it continues to send the message that Hopkins County is not a safe venue for predators,” Ramsay said Friday.
“Their quick work with the case allowed the individual to be captured,” Weatherford said. “Their work was phenomenal.”
Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched at 9:10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, to a Como address, where a woman reported her 14-year-old missing for about 12 hours. Deputies had located the teen within an hour of first being contacted and had Hostetler in custody for further investigation a few minutes later, according to sheriff’s reports.
The deputies received information the teen might be with an older male she had allegedly been talking to through a website.
HCSO Sgt. Shea Shaw, the deputies on his shift and dispatchers reportedly quickly responded using every tool available to them, including electronic, vehicles and “boots on the ground” in an effort to locate the teen.
Deputies, alert, on March 21 within an hour located a red car driven by a white male on Gaskins Street in Como. A female passenger appeared to be covering or attempting to hide her face, deputies alleged in the March arrest report. They stopped the car and determined the passenger was the missing youth. The driver, identified as Hostetler, was taken into custody at 10:12 a.m. March 21 for further investigation, sheriff’s officers reported in March.
Hostetler, deputies alleged in March reports, admitted to have sexual intercourse in the early hours of March 21 at a Sulphur Springs motel he paid for and that it wasn’t the first time he’d met the juvenile. He claimed during the March investigation that he didn’t know she was 14, but did know her mother didn’t approve of her dating older men, so he planned to drop her off down the street from her home as he’d done before, Sgt. Shaw and Deputy Alvin Jordan alleged in the March 21 arrest reports.
Hostetler has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest March 21 on two sexual assault of a child charges, according to jail reports.
